WPU Takes Crown in First Event of Spring
Moravia–The Statesmen men’s golf program dominated its spring opener as the varsity won the title at the Iowa Intercollegiate Championships Sunday and Monday.
William Penn won the four-team tournament with a two-day score of 607 (300-307) at The Preserve Golf Course–a par-72 layout. Central Methodist (Mo.) was the lone other squad in a limited field, placing fourth overall.
Spencer Skipper (Jr., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Business Management) got his William Penn career underway in tremendous fashion, winning the event with an even-par 144 (70-74). His rounds tied for the low scores on each day. Due to lack of previous tournament scores, he unfortunately was competing for WPU’s third team so he was unable to help dip the top squad’s score even lower.
Freshmen Gareth Sargent (Knysna, South Africa, Psychology) and Frederik Lundsgaard (Jebjerg, Denmark, History/Government) guided the varsity by tying for second at 147. Sargent posted rounds of 72 and 75, while Lundsgaard was at 73-74.
Brandon Dizon (So., San Leandro, Calif., Sociology), in seventh at 156 (78-78), and Tyler Lallier (Sr., Algona, Iowa, Business Management), in eighth at 157 (77-80), were also in the top ten in the 26-player field. Ethan Powers (Jr., Tipton, Iowa, Business Management) rounded out the varsity scoring in a tie for 22nd at 170 (87-83).
Following Skipper’s lead, the ‘C’ team toppled the second group for silver at 612 (302-310). Ben Roberts (Jr., Albia, Iowa, Industrial Technology) (77-78) and Jeremy White (So., Baytown, Texas, Mechanical Engineering) (76-79) tied for fourth at 155, while Peter Frederiksen (Fr., Hornslet, Denmark, Mechanical Engineering) made his collegiate debut with a 158 (79-79). Charlie Hayes (So., Whitesboro, Texas, History/Government) matched Powers in 22nd at 170 (84-86).
The Statesmen ‘B’ squad held off Central Methodist for the bronze (313-318–631) with Justin Bothma (Fr., Boksburg, South Africa, Business Management) (79-79) and Byron Lindeque (Sr., Boksburg, South Africa, General Accounting) (77-81) tying for 10th at 158. Jeremy Swink (Sr., Burlington, Iowa, Physical Education) was just one shot back in 13th (79-80–159) and Kyle Hashimoto (So., Acampo, Calif., Undecided) was another stroke behind him in 14th (78-82–160). Wrapping up the group’s scoring was Clay Tucker (So., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Business Management) in a tie for 17th at 163 (85-78).
Individuals Rory Schafer (Fr., Solwezi, Zambia, Mechanical Engineering) (15th, 80-81–161), Cade Hartman (Fr., Las Vegas, Nev., Business Management) (T-17th, 80-83–163), and Terence Schafer (Jr., Solwezi, Zambia, Industrial Technology) (25th, 84-91–175) also swung the sticks at the Championships.
“I am disappointed we did not have a bigger field as it would have helped our players to see more competition,” Head Coach Steve Tucker said. “Despite that, from 1-18, all of our guys played well in difficult conditions. It was really good to see Spencer finally get on the course and have our low score.”
“I am sure some of the guys are not playing as well as they want to, but they will keep working,” Tucker said. “We have great depth from top to bottom; this is the best overall group we have had in my tenure.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Maryville, Mo. next Friday and Saturday to compete in the Graceland Invitational. Play will be held at Mozingo Golf Course.